502nd Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon Shield Argent, on a pale Azure (Oriental Blue) between two beacon fires in base of the second enflamed Or, in chief a beacon fire of the first enflamed of the third. Crest On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue), issuing from a wreath of laurel Or with a Korean taeguk at center Proper, a griffin's head of the third langued Gules. Motto FREEDOM BY VIGILANCE.

Symbolism Shield Oriental blue is used for Military Intelligence units. The three beacon fires, representing the system of sending messages in Korea until 1885, allude to the three battle honors awarded to the unit for services in the Korean War. The gold of the flames commemorates unit decorations received by the unit. Crest The griffin is a symbol of vigilance, the essential attribute for effective intelligence work. The taeguk represents the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for service in Korea, and the wreath refers to the Meritorious Unit Citation also awarded to the unit for service in Korea. Gold is used to represent excellence and achievements of the unit.

Background The coat of arms was approved on 22 April 1963. It was amended to correct the blazonry on 15 May 1963. The coat of arms was amended to add a crest on 9 December 1986.